RP:Return of the Huntress
This is on the unknown island northeast of the Cenril coast.
Mangrove Beach
Whether reached in the safety of a boat, or swum to by the survivors of a shipwreck, it becomes apparent that this is not an average sandy beach. Thick with the tangled roots of brine-loving mangrove trees, the brackish and murky shallows have the appearance of a swamp. Saltwater crocodiles and sharp-toothed predatory fish lurk here, as do some even less savoury sea-creatures. Yet, the place has a certain wild beauty, and the reef beyond is a sanctuary for many exotic and colourful fish. Beyond the mangroves, the ground bleeds dry to a strip of coarse-sand beach surrounded by lush greenery, which might prove a good place to rest before exploring the remainder of the island. A rough path has been chopped through the foliage to the east of this spot— might the island be occupied? The possibility is certainly worth exploring.
Rhocielle looked on to the pantheress as their ship slowly retreated from the sandy banks. Under orders, the ship captain made its way back to the mainland, to return for them in a few days time. The black wolf was adorned in traditional tribal garb. Crafted leather cloth, decorated with precious bead and bones from prey covered various parts of his body. His silver gaze drifted back towards the path that led into the jungle. "Are you ready, panther?" he asked with a husky drawl.
Tifra flicks one delicate ear toward him and nods slowly standing proud in her battered, an worn armor that non the less shows signs of careful tending and is better that any village lass could even hope for. "Ready as I will ever be." Her voice is firm and confident in-spite of what she will have to face.
Rhocielle nodded, some pride evident in his eyes at the sight of her. "Let us go then, the elders are waiting...," he said, waiting for only her slightest movement forward before beginning their path-finding through the jungle to reach their ancestral home. With only the moons as their guide, the first trials of the night were beginning.
Tifra steps forward confidently leading the way she must be seen to come of her will and not as being brought back like a recalcitrant cub.
Jungle Trail
The sky is swallowed by a thick sheet of green, the boughs a brown thread stitching the seams together, and the temperature by day soars, by night still considerably warmer than in exposed areas. Beneath the impressive canopy towering above, a rich and esoteric accumulation of life flourishes abundantly; the exotic blossoms of giant flowers coaxing huge and alien insects to deviate from their lazy, or erratic, flights to die within veiled chambers of corrosive bile; loud and colourful birds screaming to one another in shrill notifications across the lattice of heavy vines that threads between the high branches of the trees; large shadows breaking the living-stillness of the undergrowth as foreign beasts hunt within their territory. By night, the jungle is just as alive with the symphony of moonlight or rain, the rattling mating calls of huge beetles harmonising the deep booms of those from large mammals or even reptiles. A hazardous, deadly terrain, death could lie in a single brush against a thorn; a single drop from a toxic vine onto the scalp; the teeth and claws of deadly beast and bird. Though in death, one might find solace in the knowledge their carcass would further the life of the place, armies of insects and nauseating walking-fungi making sure no scrap is wasted beneath the great green eyelid of the world.
Rhocielle refrained from grinning. He could recall countless times when he was the one leading the pair on some forsaken adventure on the island, and the feline following on some worshiping crush of sorts. He gave the wolf greater pride in his strides to be the one following her. As the mangroves gave way to the murky trails of the swamp before fusing with the lush greenery of the jungle, he remarked audibly to the black panther, "You have always made me proud and honored to be your friend, Tifra..."
Tifra purrs absently as she sniffs testing the air "I have always been honored by your friendship Rhocielle." She stops in her tracks when she hears a twig snap, "And you can tell whoever is waiting in the brush to get their tails out here before I fill it with arrows."
Rhocielle smiled fondly to her, though made no mention of the scouting hunters that knew of their arrival on the beach. As if on cue to her warning, some distant brush rustled as perhaps one or two shadows proceeded further into the jungle. A grin creased the black anthro's muzzle, silent approval in his gaze, though the feline would not see as she too pressed on along the path.
Tifra snorts at such folly but pads on along the path in contrast to the hunters' clumsiness. Her gliding passage is silent and not even the night insects are disturbed as she passes.
Hidden Village of Lycans
Through the thicket of vines and branches, you are able to spot smoke billowing up through the canopies of the jungle and into the pristine blue sky above. With any luck, the caretakers of the fire will be able to render you aid in escaping this humid and hellish environment, or at least provide you with provisions. Deep within the exotic confines of brush and vines, you have found a hidden tribal village. To your surprise or horror, the small community is teeming with Lycans. Unlike their mainland brethren, these people fully resemble two legged versions of the animals they take their namesake from. To add to your amazement, these anthropomorphic wolves do not seem to bear the feral hostility of the traditional Lycan when in that particular form. Groups armed with spears and bows move on into the distance, both male and female hunters. Judging by the skillful rhythm of their stalking gait, it was fortunate that they are traveling the direction opposite of your hiding spot. Your attention is suddenly interrupted by the cheerful sounds of barking and laughing pups scampering and playing amidst the numerous huts grouped together in this clearing of the jungle. Some resemble miniature werewolves, while others have assumed the forms of natural wolf cubs. Soon after, a pair of females are seen carrying their offspring off or hurrying them along, to be fed or scolded are your most presumable guesses. There are not just hunters gathered here, but whole families of wolves. It is a peaceful, if seemingly barbaric, oasis of civilization on the island.
Rhocielle made no attempts to hiding his presence, though that was not to say he did not tread silently behind the pantheress. The rays of the moons offered little visibly beneath the dense canopy. However, it did not detract from the nimble grace shown by both panther and wolf as they trekked through the dense vegetation to reach the secluded village. Already expecting their arrival, communal fires littered the central area between the huts. At each fire, family packs conversed and feasted upon the day's prey. The largest fire was surrounded by the elders, whom merely remained as they were, seemingly oblivious to the return of the prodigal hunters for the moment. The charcoal gray Alpha, Torsei watched the pair steadily, only when Tifra and the Alpha-heir would reach the central fire would the rest of the village fall silent.
Tifra pauses just inside the edge of the village to watch the familiar scene and to make the elders wait a little as she breathes in the scent and sight of home at her leisure. She notes each hunter, both those in the open and those that think they are hiding. She has to work not to laugh at the one up a tree, too occupied with holding on every time there was the slightest breeze to stir the leafs to be of any use with a weapon. Now there was a brave wolf if not a wise one.
The regal mother of the black wolf at Tifra's side was the first to openly greet them. Relli's husky drawl was a melody to any ears. And yet, her voice retained a curt formality for the pantheress. "This village gives you welcome once more, Tifra." The charcoal Alpha grunted his own greeting to the feline. Not a word was said to Rhocielle. After all, it was not him that the village was welcoming, but the black panther that arrived with him. Slowly, each of the others elders stood. They were the oldest of the hunters, and of the priestesses. Solemn chorus of howls erupted, slowly resounding and echoing as the rest of the village joined. Even behind Tifra, she would hear her childhood friend howling in acceptance of her. However, this would not be the end of it.
Tifra slowly gives the half bow that is a sign of respect for age, but not the full bow of one repentant or seeking guidance. That would have been shocking enough with out the alertness of her stance that spoke eloquently of a fighter in hostile territory and not of one expecting or even overly interested in acceptance. She is who and what she is and their approval or disapproval does not matter. "Hello First Mother of the Pack."
Rhocielle stood beside the pantheress as would an assigned champion, but that was far from it. Today, Tifra would fighting for herself. The howling slowly subsided and the Alpha male approached the pair. Nothing was said between father and son. Torsei had only eyes for the feline at the moment. "Pantheress," he greeted in a deep husky drawl that bespoke of his age and experience, "You look like a hunter. Is your appearance true?" Slowly pewter grey eyes traveled along her armored figure, taking account of the nicks and scratches on the well worn and used garments Tifra wore. Off to the side, the apparent challenger appeared. Remarkably more youthful than the elders, the tribal hunter nevertheless was no pup. Solemn gaze rested upon the feline, spear held at his side while he removed his quiver and bow from his back. Torsei's gaze shifted towards the one that would test the feline's mettle, a nod given the trial would soon commence.
Tifra growls softly, "Truer than the moon favored, for I have hunted more than game and caught more than dreams." She looks the old alpha in the eyes as another alpha would and hers hold a calm peace with herself and the world that few could claim.
Torsei snorted, meeting the feline's eyes in a locked position. The kitten had grown bold in her year away from the tribe. Inclining his head forward to hers, he growled faintly if only to gauge her resolve. When not even a flinch was notice. He snorted again, now with some sense of amusement. "You will select one weapon, pantheress. I have heard you have magicks that rival those of the head priestesses. You shall not use them tonight. You will have only your strength and willpower to call upon." Every thing spoken was said bluntly and almost ceremoniously. Slowly the Alpha stepped aside from Tifra while the rest of the village took refuge behind their fires. The center of the village would be the arena. A soft paw rested upon her shoulder, her childhood friend. "Try not to kill him, hunteress," his own husky drawl remarked before Rhocielle too would depart from her side to take his place at the largest fire pit. The challenging hunter, Reztaf, patiently stood in his half of the communal ring. It was not a fight to the death, but it would be foolish to not fight with every ounce of strength.
Tifra catches Rhocielle's wrist before he can leave her side and silently hands him her bow and quiver. The fine quality of both better than most in the village made it an excellent weapon in a long range fight, but a poor choice this close in. Once he leaves her side she looks over the ring with eyes that measured the terrain for any and all advantages it might give her. Before drawing two slim silver daggers from boot sheaths, she pads to her place in the ring not bothering to hide her lethal grace. If the hunter is wise he will be careful in closing with her, giving her more options if not. He will not last as long.
Rhocielle nodded to Tifra, accepting the weapons into his care until she would finish her bout. While everyone in the village took notice of the silver blades shown, none spoke out in protest. Life was full of surprises. Danger was always a part of it. Reztaf swung his spear in a lazy circle, ending his demonstration by driving the tip into the ground before lifting it once more. His crystalline cobalt eyes narrowed faintly at the sight of the shimmering finish of the daggers sported by the feline. Snarling aggressively, he instantly charged at Tifra as soon as both of her feet were in the ring. Spear lunged forward, hoping to catch the feline at her midsection. As the weapon was thrust, one of his paw like hands released to rocket towards her face in a clenched fist. This was a no hold bars match. While not aiming to kill her, the hunter would show her no mercy.
Tifra twists deftly to one side meeting his rising fist with the edge of one blade, knocking the spear. A very poor chouse for close fighting. She brings a knee up toward his groin before dancing aside, refusing to let him grapple. She taunts him softly so only the tone is heard by most of the village "Been living soft to long wolf. Tucked away safe on this island with the old an the cubs?"
Reztaf kept firm hold upon his spear with his single paw, arm awkwardly shifting to avoid any burning contact with the silver. Much as she twisted away from his attack, so did he shift his hips to receive a harsh blow from her knee against his thigh. Grimacing through the pain faintly, used the length of his spear to keep her daggers at a distance while he responded her to her taunt. A begrudging respect for the rule of their fight, he too kept his tone low, "While you live outside the rules of the village? Spreading your legs for /him/?" All knew the deep friendship between the Alpha-heir and the pantheress, and rumors oft were spread around as to how far that friendship had grown. Growling, he swung the bladed tip of the spear high to try to catch one of her shoulders.
Tifra snorts a laugh at his lack of imagination stepping back tell the spear is past then lunging in to rip on blade along the outer part of his arm if he is really as slow on his feet as he has been so far. Like her former affair with Rhoc would upset her she is proud to have stolid at his side for a time. They had loved with out fear or shame and no taunt could change that.
The hunter inhaled sharply. The hellish sensation of silver upon Lycanthrope flesh burned almost to the bone as one of her daggers caught his arm. The Lycan was not a brash youth, however. Enduring the pain, his uninjured arm swiftly brought the blunt end of the spear to her rib cage. Though he was hurt, she was now close enough to bring his full strength upon her. Roaring at her face, Reztaf shoved his forehead in a gruesome attempt to headbutt her shorter muzzle.
Tifra leans back letting the blow to her ribs carry her over backward in a hand spring delivering a sharp kick to the underside of his chin as she dose then tucks and rolls springing to her feet once more. Her ribs ache with the sharp pang that means a crack or two bruising at the least but she is a seasoned fighter and this is not bad enough to slow her down yet later it will hurt like hell but that is later.
Reztaf lifted his spear as best he could with one arm while still nursing his now tucked injured arm. The taint of silver burned steadily from the wound inward. While unable to effectively try to impale her in mid-flight from the feline's feigned leap, he was still able to ward off the kick slightly with the length of his weapon and step aside from it as she sprung back to her feet afterward. The burn was only increasing with each passing moment. Hoisting the spear like a javelin, he charged at her. With the sharpened stone poised at her heart and his silver cut wound poisoning him, this was a final attack.
Tifra drops into a crouch letting her daggers fall as she grabs the spear haft with the other delivering a hard belly punch she had to end this quickly now before the silver did more damage than the priestesses or she could fix. This was not meant to be a fight to the death though she would kill if she had to.
Rhocielle watched on with a detached appreciation for how much the feline he knew had grown. Perhaps she had hit the hunter harder than she had thought. As her fist made contact with the hardened stomach of the male, Reztaf was sent throttling back into a dusty roll. A mace of a bone cracked against the ground as the Lycan hit the ground. Torsei bellowed solemnly, "Enough!..." Grunting softly, a pair of priestess from the other fire pits stood to immediately tend to the fallen male. A second and third hunter stood as well, lifting the wounded challenger and carrying him off to a nearby hut. Slowly the remaining elders stood as one, Rhocielle included. Silence fell upon the village as all able eyes locked upon the victorious pantheress.
Tifra gathers her fallen daggers before she stands once more strong and proud to look the alpha in the eyes. She may never be a leader but she was certainly a lesser alpha and the equal of any of them. She breaths deep testing how much her ribs hurt with out giving any sign of it.
Rhocielle silently stepped around the fire pit to approached the pantheress. He knew her well enough when she attempted to hide pain, but he would not rob her of her victory. Ritualistically, he dipped to a knee and presented her with her other weapons once more, his rune inscribed muzzle lowered. As he did this, the eerie hush of the village remained. Only the dull crackle of the logs interrupted the ceremony. Torsei lifted the feather adorned bone mace level with the feline's heart as if she were being knighted by a king with his vassals as witnesses. "Pantheress," came the husky address, "You are a hunteress in your own right and needed not my blessings nor any of those from the village to know what you are. We welcome you as you are." The worn and battered mace was thrown into the flames. Hollowed out of its marrow long ago, the herbs and powders that now filled the interior burst through as the heat cracked open the femur. In a spectacular myriad of colors, the fire pit erupted. Fiery tendrils of every color streamed upward, and with it another chorus of low howls resounded around the black furred female. As the polychromatic flames dissipated and faded back into its more serene orange and amber dance, the ancient Alpha remarked, "You are welcomed to come and go, as you so desire, Elder Hunteress." His paw slowly drifted towards the right half of the tribal court, comprised of the hunters, while the left was represented by the priestesses.
Tifra slowly takes a cloth and cleans her blades before sheathing them and lifting her bow from Rhocielles paws with a proper reverts. Then at last bows to the elder-alpha her chin tilted to meet his eyes the whole time. "Thank you Elder Alpha." She turns slowly as much for the sake of her ribs as dignity and bows to the head priestess. "Might I be permitted to aid in the healing of my fellow hunter?" Her offer of aid is both a reminder that she is magically powerful as well as an excellent hunter, and a show of good will an pack spirit. Both validating to elders chouse to give her this trial and making it clear they had been wrong to hold her back in the first place. She would not be any easy addition to the pack for some time, but she has proved her worth.
The ancient gray female to the left of the First Mother gave a slow nod. Rinseki's dull sterling eyes steadily kept upon Tifra's green ones. No longer a kit, it would seem, but a elder female as well. Her paw slowly lifted and a gnarled claw directed attention towards the nearby hut where the injured hunter had been taken to. Before Tifra would depart, the head priestess spoke out her own blessing for her accomplishment, "Kassar et kastaf, Tifra..." Rhocielle slowly stood up beside his childhood friend and await her further instruction.
Tifra bows much more deeply to the head priestess for her blessing meant more to the pantheress "Thank you blessed one." smiles at Rhoc when she straitens and murmurers "Thank you my dearest friend." She flicks her eyes to Rhoc's mother in a subtle suggestion that he might want to spend some time with her. "I be-leave your mother is anxious to hear more about your mate and the cubs coming." With that little hint that things would be easier for both of them if his family was reassured, she quickly pads off to the hut to help in healing her opponent moving more easily with every step as the magic that lives in her very blood speeds her own healing.
Rhocielle gave the feline a soft smile and subtle dip of his muzzle in agreement. Though the First Mother and her now grown pup had already spoken about his own growing family, he thought it best to allow Tifra to carry on with her own merits. As the village dispersed for the night, the black wolf spoke softly with his mother while the pantheress slipped into the confines of the hut. Tomorrow would be an entirely different day.